Portable chargers for smartphones and tablets

While phones and tablets now get decent battery life, frequent travelers can stretch that life to the limit. Long days away from power outlets and heavy usage can drain even good batteries dry.

Portable power chargers are small battery packs that can be used during the day to top off batteries when they get low. They add very little bulk to briefcases and gear bags and can be lifesavers when needed.

There are dozens of portable chargers on the market, many from unknown companies that might not be good. This collection has been assembled based on personal recommendations from folks using them. It is thus a good place to start when looking for a good portable battery pack for your smartphone and/or tablet.

The prices and links for these gadgets are those from the charger manufacturer. Many of them can be found at online retailers like Amazon, so it's always a good idea to search online before ordering one.

Note that many of these OEMs are quick to push their products for use with iPhones and iPads, but with USB charging ports they will work with most phones/tablets.

These chargers will not work with laptops, as those require special high-power battery packs. Those are typically very big, heavy, and expensive, so they are not included in this collection.

The packs included here are by no means the only ones available — they are just the ones recommended to us. If you have another power pack that has served you well, please share it in the TalkBack below.

New Trent iCarrier IMP120D

The New Trent was recommended more often than others in this collection. My colleague Jason Perlow uses one on his business trips and had good things to say about it.

The iCarrier can charge a phone and tablet at the same time with its dual USB ports. One is higher output than the other to charge bigger devices faster than a typical phone charger.

There is no pass-through capability so the iCarrier cannot charge devices while its internal battery is charging. Its 12,000 mAH capacity is twice that of the other products in this collection.

$76.95

Mophie Powerstation Duo

The Mophie Juice Pack is a popular case for the iPhone with internal battery to extend phone usage. That case adds weight and bulk to the phone that many do not like.

Mophie also makes a separate portable charger that can be used to charge a tablet and phone at the same time. The Powerstation Duo has a 6,000 mAH with high output delivery for fast charging of tablets and phones.

When plugged into an outlet, the ZAGGsparq works just like a wall charger (directly charging the device, then charging the internal battery)

On/off switch to prevent battery drainage

2.1A output for ultra-fast charging, up to four times faster than a standard USB charger

Universal charger powers all USB-charged mobile devices

Charges iPad and other tablets at optimal speed

The ability to use the ZAGGsparc as a wall charger eliminates one or two power adapters from the travel bag.

$99.99

Belkin Power Pack 4000

Belkin is famous for its mobile accesory product line and the Power Pack 4000. While this is not the most powerful in this group, it can deliver a fast charge to two devices.

According to the Belkin product page, the Power Pack has pass-through capability, meaning it can charge phones and tablets at the same time that it charges its internal battery. This means it can be used in place of a phone/tablet power adapter.

From the Belkin product page:

4000 mAh power for charging on the go

Allows four full cell phone charges, two full smartphone charges or a full tablet boost

Built-In Safety: Thermal Management, and Over-Current and Short Circuit Protections

StorageSafe technology holds 95% charge up to 30 days

Convenient charge indicator

Two 6” USB to micro-USB cables for charging and recharging

Wall adapter

$99.99

Proporta USB TurboCharger

The TurboCharger is designed for international travelers and comes with cables and power plugs to work in many countries.

Belkin Power Pack 4000

Belkin is famous for its mobile accesory product line and the Power Pack 4000. While this is not the most powerful in this group, it can deliver a fast charge to two devices.

According to the Belkin product page, the Power Pack has pass-through capability, meaning it can charge phones and tablets at the same time that it charges its internal battery. This means it can be used in place of a phone/tablet power adapter.

From the Belkin product page:

4000 mAh power for charging on the go

Allows four full cell phone charges, two full smartphone charges or a full tablet boost

Built-In Safety: Thermal Management, and Over-Current and Short Circuit Protections

James Kendrick has been using mobile devices since they weighed 30 pounds, and has been sharing his insights on mobile technology for almost that long. Prior to joining ZDNet, James was the Founding Editor of jkOnTheRun, a CNET Top 100 Tech Blog that was acquired by GigaOM in 2008 and is now part of that prestigious tech network. James' w...
Full Bio